Abstract: A guide for guiding strap material from a dispenser to a strapper directs strap between the dispenser and strapper when in different positions in relation to each other. The guide includes an element having an open central passage defining a pathway for strap material to pass therethrough. The guide receives strap material in a first direction, and allows the strap material to exit in a second direction. The guide has bearing surfaces that define the passage so that when the strap material changes directions, there is minimal friction between the strap and the guide.

Abstract: A strap tension retaining device is configured for a use with a bulk unit secured by a strap under tension. Such a bulk unit load has a corner and defines a bulk unit perimeter. The strap tension retaining device includes a fixed base element, fixed relative to the bulk unit load, a floating element movable relative to the fixed base element, a biasing element mounted between the floating element and the fixed base element and a guide element mounting the floating element to the fixed base element to guide movement of the floating element relative to the fixed base element. The strap tension retaining device is positioned at about the corner of the bulk unit load with the strap positioned around the bulk unit perimeter of the bulk unit load, over the strap tension retaining device floating element. When the strap is tensioned a force is exerted by the strap on the floating element to force the biasing element against the bias direction.